(A) Signs requiring review. Prior to the issuance of a sign permit by the Building Commissioner pursuant to this subchapter, the following signs require review at a duly noticed public meeting by, and approval of, the Plan Commission, pursuant to the procedures contained in this section:
(1) The erection, installation, or maintenance of any sign that is contemplated to be part of, or in connection with, a planned unit development that is approved pursuant to the Zoning Code, except for those signs that are consistent with a previously approved sign package.
(2) The erection, installation, or maintenance of any sign that is contemplated to be part of, or in connection with a use that requires a conditional or special use permit pursuant to the Zoning Code, except for those signs that are consistent with a previously approved sign package.
(B) Standards. No sign permit application shall be approved by the Plan Commission unless it finds that:
(1) The proposed sign is not contrary to the intent of this subchapter;
(2) The proposed sign shall be erected and maintained in accordance with the intent of this subchapter;
(3) The proposed sign shall comply with all applicable provisions of this subchapter;
(4) The proposed sign shall comply with the standards for sign permits;
(5) The proposed sign is reasonably necessary, and the degree of the exception is the minimum necessary to accomplish the purpose of the sign; and
(6) The sign will not result in adverse effects upon the neighboring properties, or the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.
(C) Procedures for Plan Commission review.
(1) Application. If Plan Commission approval is required pursuant to this subchapter, upon submittal to the Building Commissioner of a completed sign permit application, the Building Commissioner shall refer the application and all other relevant documents to the Plan Commission for its consideration and decision.
(2) Notice. Notice of the public meeting shall be provided in accordance with this subchapter.
(3) Meeting before the Plan Commission. The Plan Commission shall consider the application at a public meeting commenced within 60 days after the completed sign permit application is submitted to the Building Commissioner. At the meeting, the applicant and all interested parties shall have an opportunity to be heard and to present testimony and documentary evidence relating to the proposed sign.
(4) Decision. The Plan Commission shall either:
(a) Approve the sign permit application and direct the Building Commissioner to issue a sign permit if, based on the application, the testimony, and other information presented at the meeting, and all other reliable and relevant evidence, documents, and information, the Plan Commission determines that the proposed sign, including illumination plans if applicable, complies and is consistent with the provisions of this subchapter; or
(b) Deny the sign permit application if the Plan Commission determines that the application and consideration of the testimony and other evidence presented at the meeting, as well as other reliable and relevant evidence, documents, and information reveal that the applicant has not satisfied the conditions of this subchapter. The Plan Commission’s decision shall be forwarded in writing to the applicant and the Building Department within 30 days of the decision.
(5) Conditions. The Plan Commission may approve a sign permit subject to any conditions the Plan Commission shall deem necessary to protect the public welfare and to achieve the purposes of this subchapter.
(Ord. 9-4, passed 2-25-09; Am. Ord. 19-11, passed 3-20-19)
Penalty, see § 156.999